Chiba Mini GPF

Chiba hosted Mini GPF
Nov.9, 2008
Fourtris Funabashi 8F, 33-13 Honcho 3 Chome Funabashi City

Report by: Remia Martin Watanabe

Shining in the most retrospective tracｋlist were the series of mini-GPF events recently recorded and reported, most notably its last single, The Chiba Mini-Global Peace Festival on its feat. Held at the Fourtris Funabashi 8F, 33-13 Honcho 3 Chome Funabashi City, Chiba last Nov. 9, 2008 with a theme , " Creating One Global Family.. "

It has been decided by the Filipino Japanese Movement for Global Peace executive officers and committees that there will be no mini-GPF to be done on the month of November. What was so appealing was the sincere voice of Ms. Marivic Arillo Mizushima to hold a Chiba mini-GPF. Barely a month Chiba team wasted no time in looking for the right avenues to jumpstart the event further. Worth checking out is the day of the event. A welcoming yet modest atmosphere of relaxed, inspiring emotion is apparent from the moment you enter the room. It feels a little like home. The event formally ignited by the invocation prayer uttered by Mr. Hector Vesillas. The passionate Marivic welcomed everybody and the special guests. Emphasizing that Chiba event is the last series of mini-GPF initiated by FJMGP and that everybody is invited on Nov. 15 for the first - ever GPF in Japan. She encouraged everybody to become peace advocators.2008 Global Peace Festival Video Presentation followed. A tribute to the successful GPF worldwide event astounded the viewers. Comes next a surprising intermission of a young lad Gerome Rara sung a love song entitled , "Before I Let You Go."

Mr. Brian Dirige, an engineer by profession and the FJMGP- PRO, explained the purposes and goals of FJMGP, as what had been reported in the previous mini-GPF. He further added that FJMGP was established only the month of April 2008, a toddler organization but was able to hold 15 mini-GPFs through-out Japan, garnered 2,000 plus Filipinos participated. FJMGP zoomed development and advancement hit wonder, as it reaped and even greater harvest of honor. Thanking everybody for the endless effort. An impromptu ability to come through, managed confidently when Mr. Roel Sison emcee the event at the spur of the moment. He tactfully introduce the keynote speaker, Ms. Angelita Obara, Pres. of the FJMGP and a Recipient of Ambassador for Peace Award. The ever dynamic speaker, gave an assuring idea and importance of what is GPF all about. GPF themes, activities, purposes were the main points clearly explained. Out in the podium, standing closely to the participants calling each one for unity to do service, to serve as peace - bridge not only to Japanese but to other foreign national as well.

Present during the event was a prominent lady at 69. Madame Fanny Kyo, founder and Pres. of Filipino Wives of Japanese Association ( FWJA ) which aims to help a Filipina ( generally the Filipinos ) overcome the difficulties faced in daily lives as foreigner in Japan. A co-founder and a former Pres. of Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese ( AFWJ) , Producer and a choreographer. She has been a staunch supporter of the environmental cause that made her received a Parangal Show in Manila after exploring Mt. Pinatubo for her charity and voluntary work. Barrels of ink have already been spilled on her numerous achievements in all forms of production, as mentor in promoting Philippine Culture and heritage and as a leader for charitable activities. She delivered the inspirational message as if she's giving advice to her child. Her words contained valuable wisdom. She quoted, saying, " I'm very proud of you. Peace to be realized is coupled with love and service. It comes from ourselves, to family, nation, and the world. Love God and love our neighbors. Be friendly, give your heart and the only way to do that is to volunteer without complain and not thinking of money. I'm raising funds through fashion shows even going to the stations saying " Onegai shimasu " for funds. Money goes to the needy. If you want to do something please do it with a smile. " Her enhancing presence gave us all deep and compelling inspiration.Bouquet of flower was given to Madame Kyo by Ms. Obara and Ms. Mizushima an appreciation for her noble work.Certificate of Peace Partnership with the GPF theme song CD was awarded by Ms. Obara and Ms. Mizushima to the following organizations: Madame Fanny Kyo - Founder and Pres. of FWJA Mr. Hideyuki Ozawa - Director, Asian Culture Exchange Association ( ACEA ) HANA - President, Mr. Tamutsu Nakamura , NTT - Life Support Com. Ltd. - NTT representative, Ms. Lovernly Ronquillo.

After thousands of heart - tugging messages . A simple but delicious snack was served . A perfectly chilled beverages of soda and fruit juices was a refreshing match to a well - flavored banana chocolate muffins.Coming up a family entertainment highlighted the event. A ballad song "Pagsubok" was sung by Jeron Okubo . The ever -committed partner of FJMGP, The Tong IL Modo, is on the top list participation to the series of mini-GPFs held through-out Japan. Thanks to Mr. Arnold Hiramis and his daughter Juna showing the Chiba viewers "The Form of Peace" a Martial Arts Ballet and later followed by the " Eye of the Tiger", duo of Ms. Obara and Mr. Hiramis. A one-two punch, highly spirited, received a loud W O W from the audience.The most awaited of all was the Philippine Ethnic Dances performed by the dance troupe of and choreographed by Madame Kyo itself. Tiboli - performed by Ian Tanaka and Marissa Tagena, was the most artistic dance of the Tiboli tribe. A dance of the four Datus' wives competing to each other. Particularly this dance is marked by intricate hands and arms movement along with shimmering costumes with dainty swirling hats to the sound. Manobo - performed by Judith Itoh, a ritual dance of the Manobo tribe during full moon for good bearing and harvest. Pangalay - performed by Judith Itoh, a muslim dance means to offer dance to the Royal Sultan . It depicts a group of women going through a motion of showing various way of wearing malong . Noticed that a single dress for these dances may feature as many as 10-20 different accessories from a very artistic feather - like headdress to a golden-brass anklets that sounds as the dancers elegantly perform the steps.In colorful costumes with slow and fast steps designed to bring out freshness and glow to the performers. The accompanying energetic beat of gongs and drums highlight the performers show off traditional steps creating a scence of joy among revelling audience. Truly a remarkable grace.After the ethnic dance rendition Ms. Itoh remained for a third-treat to the audience not a dance but a song to sing entitled, " Don't Cry For Me Argentina." A song profiled and acclaimed in the music world as one of a kind and it was without a doubt demonstrated. The singer a professional indeed, had a pｌeasant voice.. Pleasant... and tender even. She performed a comical interpretation of the song made the audience burst into laughter and applause. This was how her sense of humor operated.All performers awarded by Ms. Mizushima and Mr. Katsuhito Ohina, a Certificate of Appreciation and a CD of the GPF theme song for their participation and splendid performance.

Mr.Katsuhito Ohina, General Secretary of ACEA delivered the closing remarks.For the long overdue package, the raffle draw , a show toppings generally expected, is a special gift giving from the heart of the FJMGP Chiba Chapter. Chiba event started at 2:15 pm ended around 5:30 pm with a participating count of 68 people.Needless to say, preserving the precious memories, a picture taking with the Chiba family and guests, stamped the foundation of success for Chiba GPF never be erased.... Forever. After the event with a view of serving.　A just-enough meal was served to the remaining staff and guests. An array of fried chicken, paella and a touched of Japanese cuisine of nori-maki and inari. With a full service staff to help you unwind! All in a cozy and casual setting. A shiny venture of camaraderie : meet old friends and make new once opportunity.

Special thanks to the organizing committee: Ms.. Marivic Mizushina, coordinator ; Mr. Roel Sison, secretary ; Ms. Leonida Naruke, finance; Ms. Eutemia Ebato and Ms. Filomina Sekiguchi, receptionist and registration ; Ms. Mary Grace Sato, foods; Mr. Mitsunori Mizushima, Mr. Nilo Ibasco and Mr. Hector Vesillas , technical and physical arrangement.

THANK YOU EVERYONE !

FJMGP @ Love Nature Clean-Up

FJMGP members cleaning Arakawa River
( a part of the 1 Million Family Volunteer - GPF Project )
Nov. 9, 2008
Reported By: Lorie Shiokawa
hoto By : Jun Granada

It was a cold and cloudy Sunday but around 800 volunteers came out to join the Arakawa Clean-up in Katsushika-ku, Tokyo last Nov. 9, 2008 as part of the 1 Million Family Volunteer Activities in line with the Global Peace Festival-Japan 2008. The theme was Clean Environment.

There was an opening ceremony and orientation at around 9:45 AM. The different organizations who participated were recognized and among them were the New Wings, Red Wings, Takenotsuka Family, Arakawa Family, Youth Federation for World Peace and the Filipino-Japanese Movement for Global Peace (FJMGP). There were around 50 FJMGP members who came including their respective family to help in the clean-up. The NTT Life Support representative Ms. Juliet de Vera was also there to give her full support. Some government officials from Katsushika-ku ward were also present to witness the activity.

The different groups were then assigned to clean their designated areas of Arakawa riverside and the volunteers equipped with their cleaning gloves , masks, and garbage bags tackled the picking of wastes. Despite of the foul odor emitting from the river and the muddy grounds, the volunteers and even the children were full of energy in giving their service to the community through this clean-up.

After an hour of collecting wastes, the garbage was then segregated into combustible, non-combustible, pet bottles, metals, cans, etc.

A closing program was held and some families were given a certificate of recognition for being a part of the 1 Million Family Volunteer Activities. The Vice-President for External Affairs of the FJMGP, Mrs. Lorelie Shiokawa, who belongs to an international marriage was called with her family and requested to give a reflection of the event. She spoke in English and was translated to Japanese by Mrs.Masumi Cruz, the wife of the President of the Filipino-Japanese Blessed Family Association, Mr. Reuben Cruz, who was also present with the whole family. Ms. Shiokawa pointed out in her message that “if only each one of us have this spirit of service to clean our environment, then we can help save our mother earth from deterioration”.

There were also donation boxes for One Coin Volunteers wherein 100 yen or 500 yen were dropped by the participants and which proceeds will help to support some foreign children to complete a full course of primary schooling.

Plastic bottle caps were also collected as part of the GPF project to raise as many caps for recycling. For every 400 caps collected, we can support one child for a vaccination. The FJMGP’s official photographer that day was Mr. Jun Granada. A group picture taking at 12:30 noon ended the activity. Everyone who took part in the Arakawa Clean-Up was counted as part of the 1 Million Family Volunteers. Thank you very much for your hard work that day.

Tochigi Mini GPF

Mini GPF held in Tochigi

Nov 2,2008

Utsunomiya City Cultural Center

Report By: Ernie Nuylan

November 2, 2008, 2 weeks before the big day of the Tokyo GPF Main event at the Ajinomoto Stadium, Tochigi held its own GPF orientation at the Utsunomiya City Cultural Center.

The thirty guests who almost filled the 40-seat capacity function room, permeated the excited air with their “oohs” and “aahs” while watching the video presentation of the different GPF events in the Philippines, in addition to the keynote speech by Ms. Angie Obara, who elaborated on the themes of family rebuilding, culture of service, inter-religious cooperation and realization of multiracial and multi-cultural co-existence.

Ms. Nimfa Sasaki, founder of the Tochigi Filipino Society gave the Invocation and welcomed everyone. Thanks to Jack Calugan who emceed and started the lively atmosphere, they all got excited from the beginning. Through the video presentation,they identified themselves with the different localities in the Philippines from where they came. They attended a small local event but realized how big the GPF is worldwide and they were additionally inspired to understand that it started in the Philippines - they prided themselves in the idea that something great was started in their country and has spread internationally.

In addition to the prospects of peace that they knew to be of utmost importance, the multicultural gathering of people expressed through arts, songs and dances, was central to their interest. The greater part of the audience were dancers who performed in the entertainment part of the program. It was interesting that the audience diminished in half when the dancers vacated their seats to perform their Pandango and Tinikling.

Their numbers may not be as expected but their commitment to go to the main event, not only to attend but to perform their dances as well, gave us the reason to feel grateful that God can work through hands, however few. Given the very short notice and preparation to hold the event, the result was more than what could be expected. The Tochigi local members were short of time and resources.

Kagoshima Clean-Up Report

Shall we....clean up?

Family Volunteer Service Report

Nov.6,2008

by: Rose Ninomiya, FJMGP-Kagoshima
November 6, 2008 was a cloudy day at it rained a bit here in Kagoshima, but the gloomy weather didn't stop me from going to the area to clean up, it is the dance studio named Casa Danza where I'm also having my Hula lessons every Wednesday.The owner of the studio was very happy to allow me do this kind of project in there as I explained to him beforehand and as he was already fully convinced that I'm somewhat a very special dance instructress whom he could trust the facility and was given a spare key, now he's more amazed than usual. He wasn't around during the clean-up as he's busy w/ his other businesses, He's also owner of gift and book shops with 5 branches here in Kagoshima.

The dance studio is offering various dance lessons and is mostly used at night after school and office hours. So, the owner doesn't mind cleaning it very well as dirts are not visible during night time. But, I use and only have my lessons and rehearsals during daytime so I could see those dusts piling up in the corners. So, I'm motivated to take care of this nice facility.

I was expecting others to join me but were not able to make it. So, I started alone from 12:00 noon with my short prayer and played the GPF theme song on the background. I hung at the studio's windowpane the small FJMGP banner (with GPF logo) I made. I was hoping to finish cleaning up until 4:00 pm. Few minutes past 2:00pm, my Japanese friend and my former co-teacher of English at the Kagoshima Board of Education named Reiko Sakai-san came. Reiko is also my Hula student from another studio, but she willingly helped me out despite her very busy schedules. She rushed in right after her job in the morning and she even brought hot tea drinks and snacks for us to munch during breaks.

As we are totally engrossed with our areas and hoping to catch the time limit, we forgot to take pictures while cleaning. We however finished in time all the designated areas we wanted to clean and we're able to grab a passersby to take some snapshots for us outside the studio.The newly cleaned up studio was so bright, sparkling and so inviting that we couldn't resist the feeling of be the first ones to use it. I'm sure you know how it feels to be wanting to stay in a clean place. And since we had a little more time, we did the Billy's Boot Camp Video exercises and with our Hawaiian skirts on this time, we further expressed our passion for Hula and did few steps together.

Finally, this clean up service activity for others is a very wonderful and nice experience one could join and offer for the development of heart, spirit, relationship and environment. Doing it also serves as a very good condition to participate at the GPF main event. So, together, the next time around....shall we dance....er...shall we clean

FJMGP sponsored Medical Service in Phil.

Peace Service with AMMS
Cavite, Philippines
October 19,2008


FJMGP started engagement of sponsoring projects with partners for peace in Philippines. The concluded Free Medical and Dental Mission held at the Naic Covered Court, Naic, Cavite last October 19, 2008 was a success in terms of cooperation from the four different kinds of organizations.
AMMS (Asian Mobile Medical Services, Phil.)
YFWP (Youth Federation for World Peace, Baccor Chapter)
FFWP (Family Federation for World Peace)
FJMGP ( Filipino-Japanese Movement for Global Peace ) particulalry sponsored medicine for Blood Sugar testing.
Special thanks to leadership of Dr. Nora M.Hasegawa, FJMGP Vice president for Internal Affairs who initiated such opportunity inorder for FJMGP to be able to reachout services in Philippines .


The event started with a short programme which was emceed by Mrs. Pearlie M. Rivera, Vice President of OCM – DOPC, Naic. Mr. Eugene Santos, President of MAPA – Cavite did the honor of giving the Invocation. The Philippine National Anthem was led by Mrs. Precilla Baňares, Municipal Organizing Staff – DOPC District 3. Due to the absence of the guest speakers during the programme proper, Mrs. Pearlie happily welcomed the people on their behalf and called on the stage the Executive Director of the Family Federation for World Peace (FFWP) and Youth Federation for World Peace (YFWP) – Southern Tagalog, Dir. Jelly T. Alegre to welcome, inspire and introduce to the people these two organizations. Briefly, she relayed its vision and mission and why it is committed to do service projects for God and humanity. Last person to speak was Dr. Cristina M. Baccangen, Board of Trustees Asian Mobile Medical Mission Phils., Inc. (AMMS). She also briefly introduced the vision and mission of AMMS and gladly informed the public of their sincere commitment to render their services for free for the benefit of everyone. She also gave an orientation on the medical and dental procedures in order to have a smooth flow of activities during the entire event.

The first part of the programme was concluded by Mrs. Pearlie by thanking and acknowledging all the participating groups, sponsors, volunteer Medical Doctors, Dentist, Nurses, staff and members.

Part two of the programme immediately followed - the start of the medical and dental mission. After few minutes had gone by, Hon. Gerald Sugue, Barangay Chairman of Brgy. Balsahan, Naic where the venue is situated at, came and happily welcomed his constituent. Thus, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the four organizers and sponsoring groups for his benevolent support and contribution to the success of this worthy cause benefiting his Barangay. He stayed for a while to oversee the event and was introduced to the leaders of the two partner organizations, Mr. Nestor Tabuac from DOPC and Dir. Jelly T. Alegre from FFWPU and YFWP.

Mr. Nestor Tabuac, Head Organizing Staff, DOPC – Cavite, came just in time together with Ms. Raquel I. Vergara, Municipal Organizing Staff, DOPC – Dasma, while the on-gong services had just started in order to welcome and introduce his organization, the Democratic Organization for People's Concern (DOPC) and also to share its purpose and mission to the people. He acknowledged and thanked the people who supported him and DOPC to make this project a great success.

FJMGP joined Multi-Cultural Festival of Youth 2008

Multi-cultural Festival of Youth 2008

Sumiyoshi Ward Community Center in Osaka

October 13,2008

by: FJMGP-Osaka Secretariat

FJMGP and other Community Organizations Joined October 13, 2008 – One thousand peace advocators and expectators jam-packed at the Sumiyoshi Ward Community Center in Osaka.There were 17 VIPs from the Filipino Community, a Korean and two other Japanese local leaders. Twelve Peace Ambassadors were recognized representing various sectors and hundreds of families all queued to take part in this momentous event.

The Multi-cultural Festival of Youth 2008 with the theme: “Multi-cultural communitystarts with multi-cultural exchange youth,” celebrated family and partnership. As early as August, the organizing committee headed by Mr. Shinji Oki and otherFilipino community leaders gathered and tackled the possibility of consolidating efforts to bring about unity in Kansai.The affair was blessed with an overwhelming support from various sectors centering on three nations. VIPs, representative guests as well as youth speakers were invited:Ms. Yomoto Kinoshita (Korea), Fr. Michael P. Dulnuan (Philippines) and Ms. Haruka Okashita (Japan).FJMGP and other Filipino community leaders participated actively in the event. The program was divided into two sessions. The initial program was centered on theYouth’s speech; Peace Ambassador Awardees; and the Partnership Agreement.Mr. Masayoshi Kajikuri, GPF Japan Executive Committee Secretary-General,emphasized the role of the youth in this changing society.

On the other hand, Ms. Angie Obara, GPF Executive Committee Filipino Community Representative reiterated the opportunities the event offers and encouraged everyone to go beyond individual affiliations.“It is like mixing kimchi and nato ,” young Yomoto Kinoshita claimed, Korean YouthSpeaker. According to Ms. Salvacion Borja-Beltran, Peace Ambassador ManilaPhilippines, the first step is to be able “to extend our hand to the person next to us.”“And by embracing other cultures,” Fr. Michael P. Dulnuan (Takasago House ofWorkers) said we can indeed make a difference.Ms. Haruka Okashita also shared her dream of establishing a model multi-culturalfamily in Osaka wherein many people from different backgrounds can gather as onefamily. “My dream is to spread this model family from Osaka to the world,” sheclaimed. She said she will carry this spirit. Ms. Okashita believes that multi-culturalsociety starts from multi-cultural youth. She ended her speech by proclaiming that the youth can make this possible!The second part of the program was the Entertainment where the delegates displayed their skills and talents in singing, dancing, and many more to promote oneness.To conclude the event, a raffle draw was held as a token of gratitude.Nationwide, GPF is making its own mark in history. With many organizations slowly realizing the value of such affair, the foundation is getting bigger, wider every second of the day. Big events start with simple dreams. In Osaka, the marathon has just begun.

Special thanks to the following organizations:

Kobe International Baptist Church (KIBC)

International Youth Group Kakogawa

Himeji and Takasago Parish Council

Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ

4th Watch Osaka Local Ministry

International Family Friendship in Kansai (IFFIK)

Osaka Mabuhay Community (OMC)

Kadoma Philippine Friendship Association (KAPFA)

Metrobank Osaka Branch

Act Tourist, Co., Ltd.

Medcare Human

Filipino Japanese Movement for Global Peace Movement-Kansai